Fairytale Christmas on the Island (Scottish Highlands & Island Romance #4)

CHAPTER EIGHT

Innis was working in the castle kitchen, setting up everything he needed for making his chocolates. He’d changed into clean clothes and wore a black shirt version of the short sleeve white one.

Through the glass door that led from the kitchen out to the patio at the back of the castle, he could see the snow falling fast.

Declining to check the time, he started preparing the items for the new recipes, hoping Skye would turn up soon. Perhaps the snow had held her up, but she wasn’t late by any means. He was just eager for her to arrive.

Nairne worked in the main part of the kitchen along with other staff, preparing food for the guests. This was normal practise. Innis often worked in his area of the kitchen without disturbing them.

Innis had prepared the tray of moulds for the individual chocolates, and had the tempered milk chocolate and cocoa butter at the ready. Mixing the consistency he needed in a bowl, he transferred it to a pastry piping bag and was about to pipe the smooth mixture into the moulds when Geneen walked in with Skye.

‘Skye’s here to see you, Innis,’ Geneen announced. Smiling at Skye, she left them to enjoy their evening.

Geneen had taken Skye’s coat and accessories at reception, so she stood there looking lovely in her velvet trousers and white jumper with her blonde hair rippling over her shoulders. Around her wrist was a bobble that she planned to use to tie her hair back if need be. She wasn’t sure how the chocolate making demonstration would go or if she’d be involved in any of the mixing.

‘It’s snowing!’ she said, breaking the ice as he paused from verbally welcoming her.

He heard his hesitation and hoped she didn’t mistake it for a less than enthusiastic welcome. In his heart, he was admiring her. Sometimes, she looked so beautiful she took his breath away.

He glanced out at the deepening snowscene behind him. ‘I trust it wasn’t too difficult to drive here, especially through the forest.’

‘No, it was quite exciting, like driving in a snowglobe.’ She didn’t have much experience of navigating snowy roads. In the city it turned to slush so quickly with the busy traffic, or snow ploughs had cleared the roads by the time she’d driven on them. She’d never ventured far north on the mainland during the depths of winter, so this was sort of her first time driving through it. ‘I left the carol singing as soon as it started, but by the time I got to the forest road everything was covered in it.’

‘It’ll be like this throughout Christmas.’

‘A white Christmas guaranteed.’

‘Yes, the whole island sparkles with snow. The early morning views from the top of the hills is something to see. The evenings too when you can see the lights of the town. I saw the fire pit for the marshmallow toasting from my usual vantage point. I went for a walk before heading home here. I heard the singing too.’

‘Holly and I joined in. It was fun. But I didn’t have any hot chocolate or marshmallows.’ She glanced at the chocolate he was preparing to pipe into the tray, and the scent of the chocolate filled the air.

‘Would you like to grab an apron and help me?’ he said.

Thrown right in at the deep end. ‘Yes, I’ll wash my hands first.’ She saw that he had a separate sink in his area of the kitchen and tied her hair back in a ponytail while she walked over and washed her hands.

The amber eyes flickered, impressed by her attitude.

‘Any experience of making sweets or confectionery?’ he said as she unhooked a chef’s white apron and put it on.

‘No, but I’ve baked cakes.’ She tied the straps and tried to look confident rather than show how nervous she was. You can do this, she bolstered herself. It’s just chocolate. Making sweeties. And standing next to Innis as he instructed her.

‘The moulds are prepared, and I’ve mixed the melted chocolate with a hint of spices and fruit flavouring. All you have to do is pipe it into the tray, like piping icing or buttercream on a cake.’

‘I can do that.’ She was confident she could. Swirling buttercream on cupcakes was something she did have experience of. Holly was usually in charge of baking the cakes and mixing the buttercream, but she’d helped with the topping.

Squeezing the bag too firmly, the melted chocolate splattered out of the tip.

‘Easy does it,’ Innis said, clasping her hands with his and guiding her as she filled a few of the little round moulds on the tray.

She hoped he didn’t hear her heart thundering at his touch, and the closeness of his hard, lean body. He wasn’t intentionally driving her to distraction. But oh my...her reaction to him was potent.

Concentrate on doing it right, she told herself, and somehow she held her nerve and filled the tray with only a couple of blobs that he wiped away.

‘I’m impressed,’ he said. ‘It took me a lot of practice to get it right, and you did it first time.’

‘Really?’ Her eyes blinked at him, so close he could see the clear blue in their depths.

‘Yes,’ his tone was genuine. ‘Perhaps it’s your dressmaking skills coming into play. I’m sure you have to do a lot of finicky stitching that takes a steady hand.’

This made sense to Skye. ‘I do, especially the embroidery work with its satin stitches, French knots and bullion knots, or sewing on sequins and beads. And putting in a new zip. Now that’s tricky.’

He stepped back and nodded. ‘Well then. I’ll put you in charge of the piping while I make more of the mixture. Next up is the dark chocolate truffles.’

‘What happens to this tray?’

‘It’s put aside over here to set. Once the chocolate is almost set, we’ll pop a glacé cherry on top. You’ll be in charge of the toppings.’

‘What about the tasting?’ she said teasingly.

‘That comes after the chocolates are made. Work first, then pleasure.’

It wasn’t his intention to send her heart racing, but the way he said pleasure ignited all sorts of feelings in her. Keeping her head down while she tamed the blush threatening to give the game away, she focussed on the chocolate making.

When it was time to pop the cherries on the chocolates, Skye paused. ‘Are all the glacé cherries accounted for?’ There was mischief in her tone.

Innis played along. ‘Yes, but somehow a few always go missing.’

‘Mmmm,’ Skye mumbled. ‘I wonder why?’

His lips formed a sexy grin as he let her steal a couple of the cherries, and then stole one himself.

Skye giggled. ‘This is fun.’

His amber eyes gazed right at her. ‘It is.’ Two words that meant everything.

Being with Skye made him realise what was missing from his life. Her.

Hiding his feelings for her, Innis showed her how he created the fine chocolate shells and then added a variety of fillings. He made sure that each filling, ranging from fruit pastes to praline was the correct consistency before piping or spooning it into the shells.

She watched his skilful hands make each chocolate perfectly, and it was clear that this was something he enjoyed doing. Sometimes he lathered the tempered chocolate on to a marble slab and smoothed it with a spatula.

Everything from the thick creams and cocoa butter to the white, milk and dark chocolate, was selected and carefully mixed for each recipe.

‘I never realised you used so many techniques to create your chocolates. It’s quite an art in itself.’

He smiled at her compliment as he used a chocolate ganache mix to make the truffles and dipped them in melted chocolate. ‘Would you like to help me roll the truffles in cocoa powder?’

‘Yes, what do I have to do?’

Taking charge again of her hands, he gave her fine fork to roll each truffle in the cocoa. ‘Roll the truffles in the cocoa and then carefully lift each one out and place them on the tray,’ he instructed her.

It wasn’t deliberate, but he couldn’t help feel his hands brush against the softness of her jumper and her long ponytail. He tried to lean back rather than crowd her, but she seemed at ease with him and he sensed that perhaps she felt the sparks of attraction ignite when they were close.

Forcing herself to be competent rather than melt into his arms, as she longed to do, she made the chocolates as he instructed. The scent of the sweets was deliciously tempting — and so was Innis.

Did he know how strongly he affected her? Did he?

‘Would you like a cup of tea while the chocolates firm and set?’ he offered.

‘Yes, thanks.’

He started to prepare the tea while she watched him. He always looked so capable when he was working in his cake shop, and it was the same in the castle kitchen. Boiling water was on hand and the tea was made quickly.

‘Would you like something to eat?’ He was thinking chocolates or cake.

‘Please, anything would be great.’

He frowned. ‘You’ve had dinner, haven’t you?’

‘No, I worked late at the shop and then went to the carol singing.’ She wasn’t angling for dinner.

Innis wished he’d offered her something when she arrived. He’d assumed she’d had dinner, but... ‘What would you like to eat?’ He got ready to make it for her.

‘Don’t go to any special bother. A sandwich would be lovely.’

Innis was having none of it and sat her down at the nearby table that had a view of the snow falling outside. ‘Sit down here and have your tea. I’ll be back in a moment.’

Striding over to the main kitchen area he mumbled something to Nairne and then they both selected a delicious platter of items from the buffet menu.

Innis carried the platter back over to her on a tray and put it down. A place setting, napkin and cutlery were swiftly arranged by him in front of her, and then the platter added.

‘Is this suitable? Is it enough? I can make something else if you’d prefer.’

His offer was genuine and she liked him all the more for it.

‘This is perfect, thank you. I didn’t want to create any hassle. I should’ve had dinner but—’

‘I should’ve offered when you arrived,’ he cut–in. ‘Now, relax and have something to eat. I’m going to grab something for myself too.’ He went back over to Nairne and returned with a platter, and sat down at the table with her.

‘Did you miss out on dinner as well?’ she said.

He nodded and bit into one of the mini quiche samples and then sipped his tea. ‘I lingered up on the hills. Then it started to snow and I watched it change the view. I’ve always loved to see the snow coming. The way it blows in from the sea at night reminds me of starlight.’

She smiled warmly while tucking into her food. ‘You sound like a romantic at heart.’

Had he revealed too much? Or was Skye reading him better than most?

He shrugged those broad shoulders that carried the weight of everything he was responsible for and concentrated on his meal.

Sensing he didn’t want to discuss being romantic, she changed the subject. ‘This cheese pastry is delicious.’

He’d done it again, he scolded himself. Pushed her away when he wanted the complete opposite effect. Steeling himself ready to reveal his feelings, he changed the subject back again. ‘I’d like to be.’

She blinked, thrown by the changing conversation.

‘Romantic.’ His tone was deep and resonated through her.

‘I’m sure you are, Innis.’

He smiled and nodded, and then they both continued to eat their food and find comfort in each other’s company.

Lyle poured another cup of tea for Holly. They’d finished their soup and sat in the tea shop kitchen continuing to chat about their businesses and lives on the island. But he had a piece of unexpected news she didn’t know about.

‘I’ve bought a farmhouse near Rory’s place,’ he revealed. ‘A fixer–upper. I asked Rory to keep a lookout for a property, and he found this for me. I purchased it last week and Rory’s going to do it up. It’s a bit rundown, but it’ll be a fine house when it’s finished.’

‘How exciting!’

‘I currently live with my parents. I love them to bits and we get on great. But it’s time I got a house of my own and let them have the same. With the tea shop profits exceeding all my expectations, especially with the new extension upstairs, I’m investing some of my money in a house. It’s inland, like Rory’s, but it has a fantastic view of the nearby farmer’s flower fields. I picture when I have my kitchen door open on warm days the scent of the flowers will waft in. A sheer delight while I’m cooking.’

‘It sounds wonderful. And I bet you’ll have a well–kitted kitchen.’

‘The kitchen is one of those big old farmhouse types and I plan to do with it the same as I’ve done with the tea shop — combine vintage and modern styling. I’ll be able to try out my new recipes there rather than working late here at the tea shop kitchen. I’ve ideas for lots of new cakes and scone recipes.’

‘I’d love to be able to make a light and fluffy scone. Mine are okay, hit or miss. But I enjoy cooking. Skye and I both cook, but I wish I could be a better baker.’

She wasn’t hinting, but Lyle brightened and offered to give her a few tips.

‘Want to bake some scones with me tonight? Unless you have to dash off home.’

Holly was in no hurry to leave. She was having a relaxing and fun time with Lyle.

‘Are you sure I won’t mess up your schedule? I know you have to bake scones and cakes ready for the tea shop.’

Lyle was up and bustling over to a cupboard to get her a clean apron. ‘Tonight, you can be my assistant. I’ll show you how to make perfect scones.’

Holly felt a rush of enthusiasm take her off guard, and accepted the apron with glee.

Lyle washed his hands and then gestured for her to do the same while he set up the ingredients.

‘Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour,’ he said, and then instructed each step of the scone recipe. ‘Add a light sprinkling of flour to the rolled scone mix before using your cutter. Press firmly, don’t wiggle the cutter around.’

She did as he instructed her. ‘These look so much better than mine.’ The delight sounded in her voice.

‘I like to flip some of my scones over before I put them on the baking tray so the flat bottom is on top. I think it makes the scones rise more evenly.’

‘I’ll try that.’

Lyle had preheated the oven. ‘Pop your scones in and time them.’

She checked the recipe he’d given her to follow. ‘Timer set.’ She grinned happily at him, enjoying an evening of baking. ‘Any other tips on how I can be a better baker?’

‘Practise is the key. Once you can rustle up a light sponge cake, well risen scones, and a traditional apple pie so you learn how to bake shortcrust pastry with a filling without having a soggy bottom—’

Holly giggled. ‘Lyle’s troubleshooting tips for baking.’

He laughed. ‘You know what I mean,’ he said, wagging a scolding finger at her. ‘Learn the basics. That’s when you can tackle most baking recipes with confidence. Actually learn and practise. Then you can apply that knowledge and experience when baking other things.’

‘That makes sense. If I learned how to make a light sponge, it could be a Victoria sponge cake, or cupcakes and butterfly cakes. I could add dried fruit to my scones or treacle or grated cheese.’

Lyle nodded as she continued.

‘And I get what you mean about baking an apple pie.’ She nodded firmly. ‘I’ll learn and practise the basics — sponge cake, scones and pie. I find baking and cooking relaxing.’ She flicked through the recipe book he’d given her. ‘A recipe for custard...hmmm.’

‘There’s something comforting about homemade custard,’ he said. ‘It takes me back to when I was a wee boy and I’d have jam roly–poly with homemade custard for pudding. Or apple pie and custard.’

‘You’ve sparked my interest.’ She continued to look through the recipes.

‘Take the book with you. It has all the basics.’

‘Thanks, I’ll get it back to you.’ She tucked it in her bag. As she did this, she felt her opinion of Lyle change, realising she’d underestimated him. Lyle had done well for himself building up his tea shop. She knew some days she’d hardly noticed him when she’d popped in to buy cakes and scones.

‘I’m sorry, Lyle,’ she heard herself murmur.

‘For what?’

She couldn’t bring herself to tell him. It seemed insulting. ‘For taking up your time,’ she said, fudging the truth.

He rightly didn’t see why she’d suddenly made such a comment. ‘I’ve baked more scones than I’d planned this evening, thanks to your chatty company.’

‘I talk too much.’

‘No you don’t.’

The oven pinged, rescuing her from continuing to downplay their time together.

He pulled the batch of scones out and sat them down. ‘There you go. They’re perfectly risen, nicely browned and smell scrumptious.’

Holly smiled as the conversation got back on track to the happy chatter between them.

‘Now for the taste test.’ He went over to the fridge and lifted out a pat of butter and cut two scones open. ‘We should wait until they cool a wee bit, but we’re in a daring mood tonight, aren’t we?’

‘We are,’ she said firmly. ‘Lashings of butter for me.’

Spreading the butter on the scones, watching it melt around the edges, he gestured for her to try one.

Holly lifted up half a scone and bit into the freshly baked treat. ‘Oh, yes, sooo tasty. And this butter is delicious.’

‘I make it myself.’

Holly leaned back and gave him a questioning look. ‘You make your own butter? With a dairy churn?’ She thought he was winding her up.

‘No, just with a mixer. It’s easy. When I’m busy baking batches of cakes and scones I use bought butter. However, when I’ve time, I make up a couple of pats of my own butter. It’s easy to whip up double cream into a buttery consistency. I’ll show you.’

Lyle proceeded to show Holly how to make butter. He whipped the double cream in a mixer until it separated. Then he drained off the excess liquid, squeezing it all out until he was left with the buttery mix. ‘Season with salt if you want, but I prefer mine unsalted.’

Holly watched him create the butter, learning his techniques.

‘Try a taste of it,’ he offered.

Using a clean spoon she sampled it and nodded with enthusiasm. ‘Oh, yes!’

He finally shaped the mixture on a piece of baking paper into a butter pat. He put it in a glass butter dish. ‘Now we pop it in the fridge to set.’

‘What do you do with the buttermilk you drained off?’

‘I keep it in the fridge and use it for baking.’

The delight showed on her face as she learned that this was something she could do herself at home.

‘Homemade butter! Wait until I tell Skye.’

By the time she’d helped him tidy up, the conversation had swung towards talking about the ball, and that Lyle had experience of catering for balls.

‘What about the dancing? Was everyone waltzing around the ballroom? Is there anything I should know about or practise?’

‘I never danced at one. I worked on the catering. But I remember before a particular event that they had someone instructing guests how to waltz while wearing a ball gown. Posture was important and feeling the movement of the ball gown to enhance the grandeur of sweeping around the floor.’ He demonstrated taking someone in hold while making sure his posture was correct.

Holly shook her head. ‘I’m concerned that I’ll trip if I look up and gaze out as I dance around the room.’

‘It’s easy, come on,’ he said, clasping her hand and leading her through to the front shop. He pulled two of the tables aside to clear a space to allow them to waltz around.

Holly went along, hoping to learn from Lyle.

‘I don’t need to remind a model like you to keep their posture upright. But let me show you what it’s like in hold.’

She let him take her in his arms, correct both their posture so that she felt like someone from a bygone era dancing around the vintage tea shop.

‘Head up, shoulders down, rest your hand gently on my shoulder and let me lead. You’re trying to lead.’

‘Sorry, you’re right.’ She corrected her stance and let Lyle lead them around the floor.

‘Keep a steady beat, one two three, one two three...’

‘It’s hard to do without music.’

‘One moment, Cinders, I can remedy that.’ He ran over to the shop counter and turned on the background music he sometimes played. Traditional music, ideal for a makeshift waltz.

He ran back and took her in hold again. ‘Where were we...’

Holly listened to the music and soon they were dancing smoothly, elegantly and easily around the tea shop.

She started giggling.

This set him off.

‘Stop it. You’re making me laugh,’ she said.

‘You started it, Madam.’

‘Miss. I’m not married.’

‘You ought to be. You’re a beautiful and talented young lady.’

They were play acting, teasing, having fun, being silly.

And yet...Holly found herself again looking at Lyle with a fresh eye. He was a fine looking man, so sweet and cheerful, and willing to invite her into his world for a little while this evening. She didn’t feel that he had any hidden agenda. There was nothing hidden behind his kind words and happy attitude.

‘There you go,’ he said as the song ended. ‘You’re ready to waltz the night away at the castle ball.’

She stepped back and brushed her auburn hair back from her lovely face. ‘Thank you for making time for me in your busy schedule, and showing me how to waltz with aplomb.’

‘Any time.’

She felt that he meant this, and her heart squeezed as she gazed at him.

‘Well, I’d better be off home now. Skye will still be causing mischief at the castle with Innis, but I have things to stitch, sort and mend for the shop.’

He fetched her coat and accessories from the kitchen.

She put them on, wrapping up well.

It was then he realised that Skye had the car.

‘I’ll give you a lift up to your house.’

‘No, it’s fine, I’ll walk up the hill.’

Lyle grabbed his jacket and car keys. ‘Nonsense. It’s snowing. Come on.’

Locking the shop but leaving the lights on, he opened the car door for her and then ran round and jumped into the driver’s seat.

It was a short drive to her house, the one she shared with Skye. Their parents were still away touring the mainland, islands and visiting relatives and friends.

He waited in the car while she ran in, clutching the bag of scones he’d insisted she take. ‘You made them,’ he’d told her.

Waving to him, Holly hurried inside and closed the door to one of the cheeriest evenings she’d had in a while.

Shrugging off her coat, she lit the fire in the lounge and then sat reading through the recipe book Lyle had given her, making a note of the ingredients, including flour, butter, eggs and double cream, that she planned to buy from the grocery shop in the morning to practise her new baking skills.